The Springboks wrapped up their two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg where they continued to put in the hard yards for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and the excitement among the three Junior Springbok World Rugby U20 Championship winners was etched on their faces after what they described as an opportunity of a lifetime.
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote will get a glimpse of what the future holds when he and his coaching team work with the two SA Under-18 squads announced on Wednesday for next month’s U18 International Series in and around Paarl, in the Western Cape.
The Junior Springboks were welcomed back to South Africa on Monday by cheering fans and Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, after winning the World Rugby U20 Championships in Italy.
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited his team’s renowned, trademark South African grit and fighting spirit for their victory over New Zealand in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Italy.
The Junior Springboks became the third South African team to claim world champion status by outplaying New Zealand 23-15 in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final in Rovigo on Saturday night.
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton credited their hard work and defence after the South Africans beat Argentina in Viadana on Monday night to book their place in Saturday’s World Rugby U20 Championship final against New Zealand.
The Junior Springboks have called up utility back Alzeadon Felix as an injury replacement for Siya Ndlozi as they set their sights on their final pool match in the World Rugby U20 Championship on Wednesday afternoon against Scotland.
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has included five players who will feature in their second World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with lock Riley Norton retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July.
South Africa’s Griffin Colby and Quinton Immelman were included amongst the list of match officials confirmed on Thursday for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Rugby Championship, which kicks off in a month’s time in Italy.
The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis.